“At least we get out of the cage,” Sammy says.“And maybe he’ll remember us soon and be nice again.”
“Too late,” Coral mutters.
“Stop,” Liz says.
“Yeah,” Jade says.“You don’t get mad at something that’s broken.It’s not his fault.”
Liz laughs.
I amnotbroken.
“Oh.”Jade tilts her head and bobs it up and down.“Of course not.”
Her words are respectful, but something feels wrong.I narrow my eyes.
Gordon and Rufus laugh, which confirms my suspicion.She’s saying ‘of course not,’ but she’s implying she’s correct, and I just don’t know.
“They’re just like that,” Liz says.“I apologize for their behavior and attitudes.”She carefully slides her swords into some kind of strange holder that wraps around her shoulders while somehow still avoiding her wings.“Let’s go.”She grabs the metal bars, flexes her arms and grunts, and they slide apart easily.
We need better cages.
“Most humans would have been contained.”Liz shrugs.“Bonding you and going into the volcano have changed me.”
I’ll carry Sammy to the celebration,Gordon says.But Asteria can’t have him.
Or the girls.Rufus is scowling.
I turn so that Liz can climb onto my back.
“No, thanks.”She launches from the edge of the cage and flies out of the cavern exit.She’s only had wings for a short time, but she’s already improved quite a lot.
I think she’s been practicing when I’m not here.
She has, for sure,Gordon says.There are a lot of great things about Liz, but she’s not obedient at all.
I really have no idea why I would have liked her.We catch up to her quickly, and in no time, we’re landing near the River Ölfusá.
Just past the bend in the waterway bisecting Selfoss, there’s a large section of open land with buildings on either side.Asteria chose this spot for the easy access to the river for the water blessed, and the wide section of land that’s openly accessible.
As we draw near, I can’t help notice that the earth blessed have been busy.What is that?
Our prince is marrying,Gordon says.The earth blessed worked all night to make you a palace worthy of your position.
That was a waste of resources.I doubt we’ll be here for long.
It’s easier than ever before to craft things,Rufus says.And we’re finding that our different strengths are even more marked now that we’re stronger.
“This is amazing.”Liz lands on the rocky river bank, her face turned upward.
The earth blessed raised large amounts of stone, reshaping it into one seamless, raised dais, with the shapes of curved, sinewy blessed surging up and around the platform on all sides.Behind it, a massive palace soars—open air in parts and closed in others, but with high, soaring ceilings.Lit torches blaze on every corner so that as the small amount of sunlight for the day wanes, it’ll still be easy to see.
Liz shivers next to me, and Gordon steps closer.Do you need a warmer cloak?
“I don’t have anything that fits over my wings.”
Gordon’s expression falls.I can’t change shapes anymore and make you whatever you need.I’m sorry.
She places one hand on his side.“It’s alright.I understand.I’m sorry for what you’ve lost, too.”
